Editor’s Note: This article was written for Mosaic, an independent journalism training program for high school and college students who report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists.

In the heat of a recent night, a teen folklorico group stomp in dance heels across the floor in preparation for their upcoming performances. The group is set to perform at a private 49ers staff event on Sept. 16 and during halftime at BayFC’s Latino Heritage Night game Sept. 21.

“I enjoy the music, sometimes when I dance I sing along,” said Giovani Damain , dimples appearing as he smiles widely during a break in the practice.

Damain is a member of Los Laureles, one of the few youth folklorico groups in San Jose to have its own studio. The group’s dances represent regions in Me

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